Lotus dials back EV plans amid new uncertainties ⚡️

PLUS: Smart's tech-filled SUV, BrightDrop's new bowtie, and the EV infrastructure revamp.

If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. Smart #5 Sports a Built-In Projector and an AI Voice Assistant      The Smart of 2024 is very different from the Smart of 2019, when the brand was last offered stateside. For one thing, its lineup is now filled with electric models, and the cars now have actual space for luggage inside.    The latest addition to the Smart range is the #5, and not only is it the largest model the brand now offers, but it might also remind Mercedes-Benz owners of one particular SUV with a three-pointed star.    And it's filled with advanced tech, including an 800-volt architecture.    Is it time for Smart to come back to the US? READ THE FULL STORY Lotus Slashes Sales Predictions as Tariffs Bite      Lotus is going through one of the most far-reaching transformations in its history, with a batch of new EVs pulling what was once a boutique sports car maker into something approaching mass-market territory. Just months ago one Lotus executive told a British magazine that the automaker planned to build 76,000 cars in 2024 alone.    Quite a lot has happened since then to put that number into doubt, and it has to do with looming tariffs on EVs produced in China. These tariffs have already affected two of Lotus' sibling brands that have a US presence as well.   Here's what Lotus said this week about its US plans. READ THE FULL STORY White House Touts Charging Gains, but Gaps Remain      Charging infrastructure continues to be one of the main issues slowing down EV adoption, even with the recent plans to open up Tesla's Supercharger network to electric models from many other automakers. But there is only so much that Tesla Superchargers can do—other charging networks need to make significant strides toward greater ease of use and reliability ratings.    This month the Biden Administration announced $521 million in funds to be awarded as part of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program. The latest injection of funds will be split among major charging corridors and community-level EV charring projects, with the White House also pointing out that the number of publicly available EV chargers has doubled since early 2021.    But it's not just about new infrastructure. There are plenty of older EV stations that need upgrades, and this goes for chargers and convenience features alike. And older EV stations are not being ignored anymore.    Here's the latest on the efforts being made. READ THE FULL STORY BrightDropped: General Motors Moves EV Delivery Van Unit to Chevrolet READ MORE This School District Has Switched to an All-Electric Fleet READ MORE Who Needs Another Mattress? 25 Sweet Deals for Car Lovers on Labor Day READ MORE Will This New Tech Cool and Heat Your Next Car? READ MORE Hot Garage? Keep the Air Moving with These Fans READ MORE Here's How Electrify America EV Chargers Are Evolving READ MORE Spread the word: If you know someone interested in staying on top of the rapidly growing EV segment, feel free to pass this newsletter along. SIGN UP Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Autoweek is a publication of Hearst Autos. ©2024 Hearst Autos, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Autos, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779 https://link.autoweek.com/oc/60751dea6d1a7f51693f313dls30f.1jdj/8f29f26c